Nigeria and India Deepen Strategic Defence Partnership
The strategic defence partnership between Nigeria and India received a significant boost on December 16, 2025, with a high-level meeting at the National Defence College (NDC) Nigeria in Abuja. The Indian Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Colonel Manoj Singh, paid a courtesy visit to the Commandant of the NDC, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, reaffirming the commitment of both nations to strengthening bilateral military cooperation and advancing shared security interests.
During his remarks, Colonel Singh commended the NDC Nigeria for its sustained efforts in training strategic leaders equipped to tackle the security challenges confronting Nigeria. He assured the Commandant of the Indian government’s readiness to collaborate extensively with the NDC and other Nigerian strategic leadership training institutions. This cooperation will focus on key areas, including: Joint Training Programs, Curriculum Development, Academic Enhancement and Personnel Exchange.
Colonel Singh further emphasized India’s willingness to broaden defence cooperation and expand training opportunities for War and Defence Colleges in Nigeria, aiming to deepen technical exchanges in critical areas of mutual benefit. He concluded by congratulating Rear Admiral Ahmed on his recent appointment.
Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed underscored the importance of maintaining an enduring partnership with the Indian Armed Forces. He highlighted the deep historical synergy between the two nations, citing India’s significant role dating back to the 1960s in the establishment of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and the Nigerian Navy Training School, Onne.
The Commandant described India’s long-standing support in military training, capacity building, and defence development as invaluable. He noted the immediate need to further enhance collaboration in several critical areas which includes: Counter-terrorism Operations, Intelligence Sharing, Equipment Support and Professional Military Education.
The visit concluded with the exchange of souvenirs between Colonel Singh and the Commandant, symbolizing the enduring friendship and continued cooperation. Colonel Singh also signed the visitors’ book before participating in a group photograph.
